| Category | Silicate minerals |
| Title in English | Lepidolite |
| Formula | KLi2Al(Al,Si)4O10(F,OH)2 |
| Group | Mica group |
| Color | Purple, White |
| Stroke color | White |
| Shine | Glass, Pearl |
| Transparency | Transparent, Translucent |
| singonia | Monoclinic |
| Hardness | 2,5 |
| Cleavage | Perfect |
| Density, g/cm³ | 2,84 |
| Kink | Uneven |
| origin of name | Like many stones, the name of this mineral comes from the merger of two Greek words. Mineralogists, examining the stone, noticed that its structure resembled scales, so they took the word “lepis” - scales - as a basis. For the second part of the name they used the word “lithos”, which translates as stone. Literally translated, it turns out that lepidolite is a scaly stone. |
Lepidolite is a mineral with a scaly structure, which is why it received such an unusual name. The term “lepidolite” is made up of two Greek words: “lepis” means “scale”, and “lithos” means “stone”.
Origin story
In structure, the mineral is a lithium-containing mica with a scaly structure - flexible thin plates, tightly welded together, form a strong stone base. Hence the name - lepidolite, which translated from Greek means “scaly stone”.
The first description of the mineral dates back to 1792. Martin Heinrich Klaproth, a chemist from Germany, first dubbed the stone lilalite because of its amazing color, combining a range of shades of lilac. A little later, the gem began to be called landrin, which means “lilac-lilac”, and the end of the 19th century brought the final name to the mineral - lepidolite, based on the structure, and not on the color.
Since the stone is soft and cannot boast of durability, it did not gain initial popularity among jewelers. However, the value of lepidolite is completely different. This mineral is a source of lithium, which is indispensable in the manufacture of lasers and batteries, and is also necessary for the disposal of nuclear industry waste.
Areas of application and where it is used
Lepidolite is most actively used in industry - for the extraction of such lithium. Due to its good density and low weight, it is used for the manufacture of laser systems and equipment used in medicine. As part of other elements they are used to make high quality mirrors.
Decorators and jewelers have long appreciated the appearance and quality of the gem. Due to the complexity of the cut, most lepidolite products are made upon pre-order. This can be jewelry, decor of figurines, boxes and other items.
Lepidolite is in the collection of every self-respecting mineralogist collector. This is because 100% natural stone is not such a cheap thing.
Place of Birth
The stone owes its appearance to volcanic lava, which erupted from the bowels of the earth at the junctions of granite deposits and lithospheric plates.
States in different parts of the planet, on whose territories mountain ranges are located, can boast of lepidolite deposits:
- Sweden, Stockholm area.
- Czech Republic, Moravian region.
- Germany, Saxon Heights.
- Island of Madagascar.
- Italy, Elba Island.
- Australia, Western Mountains.
- Central Asian countries - Pakistan, Afghanistan.
- USA and Canada.
- Russia – Ural, Transbaikalia, Krasnoyarsk Territory, Kola Peninsula.
These mining sites are exclusively industrial. For jewelers, mined stones are of no value. The only place where jewelry samples are mined is the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.
Due to the scarcity of the mineral, as well as the difficulties of processing, jewelers resort to using more durable quartz with lepidolite inclusions.
Physical properties
Lepidolite is characterized by low hardness - with a slight mechanical impact, the mineral breaks up into separate plates, which themselves are flexible and elastic. This stone has a glassy-pearl luster, and completely transparent or translucent samples are found.
| Property | Description |
| Formula | KLi2Al(Al,Si)3O10(F,OH)2 |
| Impurities | Fe2+, Mn, Cs, Rb, Na |
| Hardness | 2.5 |
| Density | 2.84 g/cm³ |
| singonia | Monoclinic. |
| Kink | Uneven. |
| Shine | From glassy to pearly. |
| Transparency | From transparent to translucent. |
| Color | From white to purple. |
The mineral is interesting for such a feature as pleochroism - the shade of the stone changes slightly at different viewing angles. Ultraviolet rays cause a pale yellow glow. Another interesting phenomenon is observed when the stone is set on fire - the flame becomes carmine-red, while the lepidolite itself turns into white enamel. But the mineral is not susceptible to acids.
Healing properties
Lepidolite is known in lithotherapy as an analgesic and sedative. The mineral is used mainly in the treatment of such diseases:
- neuralgia (psychosis, neuroses, tendency to depression, stress and mania, schizophrenia);
- cardiovascular diseases;
- injuries, damage of various types.
The use of the stone concerns problems with sleep disorders - people suffering from insomnia or nightmares place lepidolite at the head of the bed.
This is interesting! Lepidolite is considered an amulet for athletes, as it is able to stimulate rapid muscle growth.
Traditional healers use the mineral to treat sprains and bruises, claiming that the healing power of the stone increases near the flame of a burning candle.
Lepidolite: magical properties of the stone
The use of the magical qualities of lepidolite among magicians and healers is just beginning to gain momentum. Previously, his power was rarely used.
- Its property is known to relieve irritation and other negative emotional manifestations.
- The mineral promotes quiet family happiness. The beneficial effect is enhanced if there is a burning candle next to it.
- It can protect sensitive people from love disappointments and disappointments; it is more likely to prevent the occurrence of a problem situation than to help in solving it.
- A mineral can give a hint about the correct solution to a problem, but it will not help in correcting a mistake if it has already been made. For example, he will help keep his husband in the family, but it is not in his power to bring him back. This means that you need to turn to lepidolite for help in a timely manner.
- Its magic is perfect for those who are interested in calming procedures and meditation. Contemplating the stone during sessions helps achieve peace and renunciation of earthly petty passions.
An amulet made of lepidolite is recommended to be worn by creative people who have an unstable psyche. It helps solve creative problems without unnecessary worry and helps maintain a calm state. The amulet attracts success and recognition from people. It is believed that the gem enhances feminine energy. It serves as a talisman of family happiness and strengthens attachment to the hearth and home.
The magic of purple scales
Since lepidolite is one of the later discoveries, little studied and not described in sufficient detail, its magical abilities did not attract esotericists for a long time. However, the younger generation of magicians and psychics became interested in the stone, using the mineral at first for meditation, gradually studying other magical facets.
Today, esotericists focus on the following magical aspects of the use of lepidolite:
- The mineral acts as a sedative, which allows the owner to escape from the routine, concentrating on the main thing. This helps you make important life decisions without feeling discouraged or depressed.
- People of art and science can cultivate intellectual potential using this stone. Such a talisman can handle problems of a spiritual and creative nature, however, it will not be possible to solve financial issues with this stone.
- The mineral is able to harmonize family relationships, for which quarrels are a frequent guest. Wearing an amulet will relieve spouses of negativity and prevent the outburst of emotions that give rise to conflicts.
The mineral has a special influence on the fair half of humanity - the woman becomes softer, more flexible, and wiser. The talisman gives the owner the qualities of an excellent housewife.
Interesting fact! Esotericists do not advise people whose profession is related to finance or trade to purchase lepidolite as a talisman - material values are alien to this mineral, the resolution of financial issues will be hampered, and plans will be destroyed.
At the same time, the amulet attracts success and gives the ability to gain recognition. This is important for artists, musicians, poets. These people are more susceptible to depression than others and are able to go into a world of fantasy, forgetting about reality. Lepidolite will protect the psyche of such a person, help cope with emotions, and protect physical health.
Compatibility with other stones
As for the proximity of other gems, skilled jewelers safely frame lepidolite cabochons in precious metals. The gem goes well with:
- Kunzite;
- Rubellite;
- Rose quartz;
- Charoite;
- Pink beryl.
Areas of application of stone
The main area in which lepidolite is actively used is industry. The metal lithium is extracted from this mineral. This element is valuable due to its low weight and sufficient density, due to which the production of automotive parts, medical equipment and laser systems has improved its quality. The second part of the industry using lepidolite is the production of dense, strong and highest quality mirrors.
Jewelers and masters of decorative and applied arts appreciate the gem. Despite the complexity of cutting, jewelry is created privately. The use of lepidolite in cutting boxes, figurines and other interior decor is popular among both classical masters and extravagant artists.
The third area in which gems are popular is collecting. Every mineralogist and stone collector should have this rare, but quite valuable stone.
Jewelry with mineral
Jewelry with natural stone is difficult to find. Samples suitable for jewelry processing are mined only in one deposit and in small quantities.
And jewelers prefer to work with quartz, which contains lepidolite inclusions, since it is harder, it is easier to give it the desired shape, and the resulting cabochons make it possible to contemplate the beauty of lepidolite wrapped in a quartz shell.
Jewelry made from pure lepidolite can still be purchased, the price for them will be low, since jewelry is mainly made from the mineral:
- a lepidolite pendant without a metal frame will cost from 2,000 rubles;
- Brazilian mineral beads made from medium-sized beads will cost 3,500 rubles and more;
- earrings made of alloy cost 500–2500 rubles, but you can find a product for 9000 rubles;
- with rings there is a similar range - from 700 to 5000 rubles, depending on the quality of the jewelry alloy.
You can’t find jewelry with lepidolite inserts everywhere. Finding a product of decent quality may take a lot of time, but the result will certainly please the eye.
Interesting facts about lepidolite
In jewelry, when polishing and cutting lepidolite samples, two main problems arise: perfect cleavage and low hardness of the stone. During grinding, the mineral easily crumbles, especially when structured from finely scaly aggregates. For this reason, jewelers often do not use independent lepidolite intergrowths, but process quartz with its inclusions. Such specimens of quartz can be easily given a rectangular, spherical or other shape, and the lepidolite is not damaged and can be admired.
Varieties of mineral
The main color of the gem is lilac, as well as different shades of lilac and violet. Rare natural specimens are stones of white, gray and yellow colors. There are also combinations of pink with blue, red, white or gray shades.
The structure and color of the mineral are heterogeneous - stones often have a bright middle, losing color saturation closer to the edge. Due to its scaly structure, the stone does not have a pure color; you can see a variety of beautiful patterns in it, which makes it unique and mysterious.
What does it look like?
More often you can find a stone of a rich lilac color, however, you can also come across snow-white, silver, yellowish, and red specimens. The saturation of tone in the mass of the crystal is heterogeneous; you can often see stones with purple or soft pink edges. The main physical characteristics are:
- glass shine;
- presence of overflow;
- perfect cleavage;
- uneven fracture;
- white streak;
- increased density and strength;
- translucent structure;
- smooth, silky texture.
How to distinguish natural stone from fake?
Lepidolite is a rare natural phenomenon, so it is easy for a buyer not armed with the necessary knowledge to slip a fake. If it is not possible to consult with a reputable jeweler, you need to know a few rules that will help you purchase a natural mineral:
- The main color of the stone is lilac-violet. If it is still a rare natural nugget, say, white, then this color should be the main one.
- Natural stone must have a uniform structure, without inclusions, translucency or bubbles.
- The surface of a natural gem should shine - mica is not matte.
- Unlike fakes, natural lepidolite is perfect, without a single flaw on the surface.
There are cases when lepidolite itself is passed off as another, more expensive mineral - muscovite. These minerals are difficult to distinguish externally; the chemical composition is also similar. Only a special study will help distinguish these stones by the amount of lithium in the composition.
general information
In 1792, the German chemist Martin Heinrik Klaproth named the light lilac stone lilalite. At that time, scientists had just begun to study it.
After the experiments, a predominance of lilac tone was revealed. The pebble was called “landrin”.
Studies continued, and in the 19th century the scaly structure of the pebble was discovered. Therefore, it was finally renamed lepidolite. There are other names:
- bubble eyes;
- purple mineral;
- lithium mica.
In 1861, scientists Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff extracted over 150 kg of stone. While studying the chemical composition, they identified a previously unknown element - rubidium.
Mineralogists studied the structure of the stone and concluded that it belongs to the mica group.
Lepidolite flakes are firmly attached to each other. Outwardly, it looks like a durable stone.
But the piece can be easily bent and then returned to its original state. A solid pebble is durable, and its internal structure is soft.
In 1989, the International Mineralogical Association removed lepidolite from its official list of minerals. This term today refers to mica with a predominance of lithium in its composition.
How to wear and care rules for products with mineral
Wearing jewelry with minerals is recommended not only to complement the look. Each product helps in its own way with health problems:
- Earrings are recommended to be worn by people with sleep problems, as well as those suffering from headaches and other brain diseases.
- Pendants will relieve depression and mania.
- Rings are indispensable for heart disease, as well as for strengthening muscles of any group.
- Bracelets have a calming effect.
A rare natural phenomenon requires the same special care. Beautiful individual handmade items should be stored in boxes with soft walls that correspond to the size of the item. When transporting or carrying, the jewelry should not roll or hit the walls of the box.
It is better to clean the mineral with clean water and a soft cloth. If the contamination cannot be cleaned with water, you can wipe the stone with pure alcohol. You should not expose jewelry with lepidolite to acidic or chemical compounds. Overheating the mineral is also contraindicated.
Compatibility of the stone with the signs of the Zodiac
Astrologers, along with esotericists, scientists and lithotherapists, are at the stage of studying this extraordinary mineral. So far, lepidolite is classified as a universal stone that can be worn without fear by representatives of any zodiac constellations.
(“+++” – the stone fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated):
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
| Aries | + |
| Taurus | + |
| Twins | + |
| Cancer | + |
| a lion | + |
| Virgo | + |
| Scales | +++ |
| Scorpion | + |
| Sagittarius | + |
| Capricorn | + |
| Aquarius | + |
| Fish | + |
The only sign of the Zodiac that is undoubtedly protected by a gem is Libra. People born under this sign are often indecisive, changeable natures. Lepidolite helps such individuals overcome these barriers with a peaceful calm. The best way to cope with this task is an amulet in the form of a pendant.
